Alhaji Sule Lamido, the former governor of Jigawa State, recently voiced his concerns about the increasing influence of religious leaders in Nigerian politics. In a viral video during a condolence visit to Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachikun in Kaduna, following the death of his eldest son, Lamido highlighted the significant impact that clerics now have on voters and political processes.
Lamido expressed his worry about the power struggle between clerics and politicians, emphasizing that religious leaders have begun to take control of the political space. He noted that clerics are no longer just spiritual guides but are actively involved in campaigning for candidates and instructing their followers on who to support. This shift in dynamics has led politicians like Lamido to step back and observe as clerics dictate political allegiances.
The former Foreign Affairs minister emphasized the need for everyone to maintain their respective roles in society to ensure equity and justice. He also drew parallels between the internal conflicts within political parties and the divisions that exist among religious sects, warning that unless unity is achieved, Nigeria’s political landscape will continue to be chaotic.
Religious Influence in Elections
In the past, influential religious leaders have played a crucial role in mobilizing their congregations for voter registration and participation. However, in the lead-up to the 2023 general election, mosques and churches went a step further by openly endorsing specific candidates. Sermons and khutbas became platforms for political endorsements, with some clerics prophesying divine mandates for particular candidates. Despite these efforts, many of these religious predictions did not come to fruition.
One particularly controversial event was the planned Qur’an convention scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Abuja. This gathering, which aimed to bring together 30,000 Qur’an memorizers, writers, reciters, and calligraphers, was postponed indefinitely due to concerns raised by Islamic scholars. Some scholars questioned the legitimacy of the event, alleging that it was a political maneuver ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Political Strategies for 2027
In the aftermath of the 2023 election, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket faced significant backlash, political actors are already strategizing for the upcoming 2027 election. Tinubu’s success was largely attributed to the strong backing he received from religious leaders, particularly in northern Nigeria. Similar efforts to court influential Muslim scholars are now underway as political figures gear up for the next election cycle.
Meanwhile, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is making deliberate efforts to rebrand his image in the predominantly Muslim North. His participation in Ramadan iftar gatherings, social engagements in the region, and monetary donations are all seen as strategic moves to win over religious leaders. Obi’s supporters believe that his failure to secure the support of northern religious leaders contributed to his loss in 2023, and they are determined to avoid a repeat of that mistake in 2027.
As Nigeria heads towards the 2027 election, the interplay between religious leaders and politicians continues to shape the country’s political landscape. The power struggle between clerics and politicians underscores the complex dynamics at play, as both groups navigate their roles in society while vying for influence and control. The coming years are sure to witness further developments in this ongoing saga of power and politics in Nigeria.
